Research Assoc. Professor

Dr. Elfers presently researches issues of teaching quality and the teacher workforce, particularly within the context of Washington state. She is interested in research and analyses that can help sharpen the questions that state and district policymakers need as they consider ways to improve the equity of access to a high quality education for Washington’s school children. Other research interests include professional development, school community, teacher and school leadership, and in the ways in which these can support effective teaching, and ultimately learning for students. Dr. Elfers has lived, worked, and studied extensively overseas, and has a continuing interest in international issues in education, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.

Plecki, M. L., Elfers, A. M., & Van Windekens, A. (2017). Examining Beginning Teacher Retention and Mobility in Washington State. Research commissioned by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy, University of Washington.

Elfers, A. M., Plecki, M. L., & Van Windekens, A. (2017). Understanding Teacher Retention and Mobility in Washington State. Research commissioned by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy, University of Washington. Download Report.

Plecki, M. L., Elfers, A. M. & Wills, K. (2017). Understanding Principal Retention and Mobility in Washington State. Research commissioned by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy, University of Washington. Download Report.

Elfers, A. M. & Plecki, M. L. (2016). The role of a district teacher leadership program in supporting school and district improvement initiatives, The WERA Educational Journal, 9(1), 3-13).

Plecki, M. L., Elfers, A. M. & Yeh, T. L. (2015). Washington's Teacher and Principal Evaluation System: Efforts to Support Professional Development. Research commissioned by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public. Seattle, WA: Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy, University of Washington.

Elfers, A. M. & Plecki, M. L. (2014). Results of a state incentive program on the supply and distribution of National Board Certified Teachers, Leadership and Policy in Schools,13(2), 147-168.